Good self-practice complementary therapies
Good self-practice complementary therapies
The following complementary therapies improve overall health and can be taught to the public in community outreach classes:
• Acupressure.
Using fingertips, pressure is applied to acupoints along meridians, which are invisible, interconnected internal channels located throughout the body. According to Chinese medicine, energy or "qi" flows along these meridians and causes health problems when blocked. Acupressure eliminates the blockage along these meridians and restores the flow of energy.
• Breath work.
Most people breathe shallowly from the chest rather than deeply from the abdomen, yet shallow breathing can contribute to stress-related disorders. People need to relearn how to breathe correctly. Certain breathing techniques can be used to relieve stress and pain as well.
• Cognitive therapy (positive self-talk).
This technique helps people get rid of negative thoughts and is a good treatment for depression, anxiety, and other emotional problems. Cognitive therapy helps people change their general outlook by changing distorted perceptions.
• Imagery and visualization.
The mind is a powerful tool, and thoughts can be used to control pain, promote healing, and reach goals. Using imagery and visualization to relax, a person might be taught to visualize a quiet place such as a meadow. Imagery comes into play as he or she begins to hear the bees buzzing around the flowers, feel the warmth of the sun, and smell the clover.
• Meditation or mindfulness.
Meditation is a form of contemplation. When people use mindful meditation, they focus on their breathing and dismiss distracting thoughts.
• Shiatsu.
A form of acupressure, shiatsu is the Japanese word for finger pressure. However, rather than applying pressure to a particular point along a meridian, movement along the whole meridian is important.
• Yoga.
Yoga started as a spiritual discipline thousands of years ago. Today, yoga is used to relax and create inner calm. This is accomplished through deep breathing, gentle stretches, and clearing the mind of distractions.
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